He accused Mr Hunt of being more interested in bashing doctors and spouting "rubbish" after the health secretary blamed the rise in A&E waits on changes to the GP contract in 2004 which allowed GPs to stop providing out-of-hours care.

Dr Buckman said there was no evidence that the changes, which led to agencies taking on responsibility for care, have been a major factor.

And he added: "He [Mr Hunt] does not want to bother with the facts when he can have a bash at those of us who on his own admission are overworked and strained beyond endurance."

Dr Buckman's comments were made ahead of a speech on Thursday by the health secretary, which was trailed widely in advance, during which he unveiled plans for a chief inspector of GPs.

Mr Hunt painted a picture of dysfunction across the GP sector, saying they were struggling to cope with demand.

He also called for them to take more responsibility for out-of-hours care. He said this may include having to sign-off whether they are happy with the services available.

"We have allowed ourselves to lose sight of the concept of the family doctor."